Euphorbia plant named ‘Waleutiny’

ABSTRACT

A new cultivar of  Euphorbia  named ‘Waleutiny’ that is distinguished by dwarf size, compact habit, burgundy and green stems, small burgundy and green leaves and lime-green flowers. In combination these traits set ‘Waleutiny’ apart from all other existing varieties of  Euphorbia  known to the inventor.

Genus: Euphorbia.

Species: martinii.

Denomination: Waleutiny.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of spurge,an ornamental plant that is suitable for use in container, rock garden,or as a groundcover in the landscape. The new invention is knownbotanically as Euphorbia martinii, and will be referred to hereinafterby the cultivar name ‘Waleutiny’.

In December 2000 ‘Waleutiny’ was selected by the inventor, in acultivated area of Walberton, West Sussex, United Kingdom. The parent isan individual unnamed selection of Euphorbia martinii (unpatented).‘Waleutiny’ was discovered at the inventor's nursery as a naturallyoccurring single branch sport on an individual Euphorbia martinii thatwas growing in a commercial crop of Euphorbia martinii. ‘Waleutiny’ isdistinguishable from the parent plant by overall size. Euphorbiamartinii is generally described as growing to a height of 60 cm or to aheight within the range 45 cm to 75 cm; and a spread of 45 cm to 60 cm.‘Waleutiny’ achieves a height of approximately 30 cm and ranges in widthfrom 15 cm to 30 cm. When compared with the parent, the leaves and theinflorescence (cyathia) of ‘Waleutiny’ are smaller and in proportion tothe parent. In overall appearance, ‘Waleutiny’ resembles a miniatureversion of the parent Euphorbia martinii.

The first asexual reproduction of ‘Waleutiny’ was conducted in 2001 bythe inventor in a cultivated area of West Sussex within the UnitedKingdom. The method used for propagation was direct rooting of theexcised branch as discovered. Since then the new cultivar named‘Waleutiny’ has been further asexually propagated by tip and branchcuttings, has been determined stable, firmly fixed, and reproduces trueto type in successive generations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent thedistinguishing characteristics of the new Euphorbia cultivar named‘Waleutiny’. These traits in combination distinguish ‘Waleutiny’ fromall other existing varieties of Euphorbia known to the inventor.‘Waleutiny’ has not been tested under all possible conditions andphenotypic differences may be observed with variations in environmental,climatic, and cultural conditions, however, without any variance ingenotype.

-   -   1. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ exhibits compact habit.    -   2. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ exhibits small lime-green        flowers in spring and summer.    -   3. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ exhibits small leaves that are        green and burgundy in color.    -   4. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ exhibits green and burgundy        stems.    -   5. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ is propagated using the method        of vegetative tip and branch cuttings.    -   6. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ is hardy to USDA Zone 7.    -   7. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ is 15 cm to 30 cm in width,        30 cm. in height at the top of the flowers, and 15 cm. in height        at the top of the foliage.    -   8. Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’ is suitable for use in        container, rock garden, and as a groundcover in the landscape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color drawings FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate the overallappearance of the new Euphorbia cultivar ‘Waleutiny’ showing the colorsas true as it is reasonably possible to obtain in colored reproductionsof this type. Colors in the photograph may differ from the color valuescited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describethe actual colors of the new variety ‘Waleutiny’.

The drawing labeled as FIG. 1 illustrates the entire plant in bloom froma side perspective.

The drawing labeled as FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of theinflorescence (cyathium).

The drawings were made were made using conventional techniques andalthough flower and foliage colors may appear different from actualcolors due to light reflectance, they are as accurate as possible byconventional photography.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new Euphorbiacultivar ‘Waleutiny’. Observations, measurements, values and comparisonswere collected in Arroyo Grande, Calif. from 2-liter container plantsthat were 12-months-old at the time and grown out-of-doors in full sun.Color determinations are made in accordance with the 2001 edition of TheRoyal Horticultural Society Colour Chart of London, England, exceptwhere general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used.The growing requirements of the new variety are similar to the species.

-   Botanical classification: Euphorbia martinii ‘Waleutiny’.-   Genus: Euphorbia.-   Species: martinii.-   Denomination: Waleutiny.-   Common name: Spurge.-   Commercial classification: Sub-shrub.-   Size: Dwarf.-   Parentage: Euphorbia ‘Waleutiny’ is a naturally occurring single    branch sport discovered on an individual plant of the following    parent: Euphorbia martinii (unpatented).-   Asexual propagation method: Vegetative tip and branch cuttings.-   Rooting habit: Fine.-   Time to develop roots: 2 weeks are needed for roots to develop on an    initial cutting.-   Temperature recommended to develop roots: 18° Centigrade.-   Crop time: 8 months are needed to produce a finished 1-liter    container from a rooted cutting.-   Growth habit: Compact habit.-   Plant shape: Ball-shaped.-   Use: Ornamental plant suitable for use in container, rock garden,    and as a groundcover for the landscape.-   Type: Perennial.-   Vigor: Moderate vigor.-   Height of plant (after one season): 15 cm. in height at the top of    the foliage and 30 cm. in height at the top of the flowers.-   Width of plant (after one season): 15 cm to 30 cm in width.-   Cultural requirements: Sun or partial shade and well-draining soil.-   Diseases and pests: Can be affected by mildew or rust diseases.-   Hardiness: Hardy USDA Zone 7.-   Special considerations: Hazardous. All parts exude a white milky    substance when bruised that can be toxic and may elicit dermal    irritation.-   Stem:    -   -   Branching habit.—Central trunk with many branching stems.        -   Trunk dimensions.—3 cm. in diameter and 3 cm. in height.        -   Trunk shape.—Cylindrical to columnar.        -   Trunk surface.—Pubescent surface.        -   Trunk color.—Individual colors 183A and 144B are present on            an individual trunk.        -   Lateral stem color.—Individual colors 183A and 144B are            present on an individual lateral stem.        -   Lateral stem shape.—Cylindrical to columnar.        -   Lateral stem diameter.—0.50 cm. in diameter.        -   Lateral stem length.—Lateral stem ranges from 12 cm. to            15 cm. in length.        -   Lateral stem surface.—Pubescent.        -   Internode length.—Internodes are 3 mm. in length.-   Foliage:    -   -   Type: Evergreen.        -   Leaf arrangement.—Spirally arranged.        -   Leaf division.—Simple.        -   Leaf shape.—Oblanceolate.        -   Leaf length.—Individual leaf ranges from 4 cm. to 6 cm. in            length on an individual plant.        -   Leaf width.—Individual leaf ranges from 0.50 cm. to 1 cm. in            width on an individual plant.        -   Leaf apex.—Apiculate.        -   Leaf base.—Attenuate.        -   Quantity of leaves.—A range of 65-75 leaves per stem.        -   Leaf venation pattern (abaxial and adaxial            surfaces).—Pinnate with only the mid-vein prominent.        -   Vein color (abaxial surface).—139D.        -   Vein color (adaxial surface).—139D.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Leaf surface (abaxial surface).—Pubescent.        -   Leaf surface (adaxial surface).—Pubescent.        -   Leaf appearance (adaxial and abaxial surfaces).—Matte.        -   Leaf attachment.—Sessile.        -   Leaf color (adaxial surface).—Individual colors 139A and            183A are present on an individual leaf.        -   Leaf color (abaxial surface).—Individual colors 137B and            183A are present on an individual leaf.        -   Leaf fragrance.—None observed.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Type.—Consists of 20-30 cyathia arranged in pairs and borne            on a pedicel which divides at a basally fused perfoliate            subtending bracts.        -   Blooming season.—Spring and summer.        -   Hardiness (including buds).—Minor frost damage to USDA Zone            7, severe in zones colder than USDA Zone 7.        -   Dimensions of inflorescence.—15 cm. in diameter and 10 cm.            in depth.        -   Dimensions of individual cyathium.—Cyathium is 0.75 cm. in            depth and ranges from 1 cm. to 1.25 cm. in diameter.        -   Cyathium arrangement.—Whorled.        -   Cyathium shape.—Cupulate.        -   Cyathium apex.—Rounded.        -   Cyathium base.—Fused.        -   Cyathium margin.—Entire.        -   Color of cyathia (both adaxial and abaxial surfaces).—147B            and 183D.        -   Aspect.—Facing upward and outward.        -   Bud shape.—Oval in shape.        -   Bud dimensions.—4 mm. in length and 3 mm. in diameter.        -   Bud surface.—Glabrous.        -   Bud color.—N144A.        -   Bud apex.—Acute.-   Inflorescence peduncle:    -   -   Dimensions.—Peduncle is 9 cm. in length and 4 mm. in            diameter.        -   Peduncle color.—Colors 144B and 183A are individually            present on an individual peduncle.        -   Peduncle shape.—Cylindrical in shape.        -   Peduncle appearance.—Semi-glossy.        -   Peduncle surface.—Mostly glabrous but with a few hairs.        -   Pedicel length.—Pedicel ranges from 3 mm. to 2.25 cm. in            length (upper third divides at perfoliate subtending            bracts).        -   Pedicel diameter.—Pedicel is 2 mm. in diameter below bract            and 1 mm. in diameter above bract.        -   Pedicel color.—144B.        -   Pedicel texture.—Soft and flexible.        -   Pedicel shape.—Cylindrical in shape.        -   Pedicel surface.—Puberulent surface.        -   True perianth.—Absent.        -   Number of subtending bracts.—2 subtending bracts per            pedicel.        -   Subtending bracts fused or unfused.—Subtending bracts are            basally fused.        -   Subtending bract color (abaxial surface).—Colors 147B and            183D are individually present on subtending bract.        -   Subtending bract color (adaxial surface).—Colors 147B and            183D are individually present on subtending bract.        -   Subtending bract margin.—Entire.        -   Subtending bract shape.—Closest to reniform in shape.        -   Subtending bract apex.—Obtuse apex.        -   Subtending bract base.—Closest to truncate.        -   Subtending bract dimensions.—0.75 cm. in length and 1 cm. in            width.        -   Subtending bract surfaces (adaxial and abaxial            surfaces).—Glabrous.        -   Subtending bract attachment.—Perfoliate.        -   Lastingness of cyathium on plant.—An individual cyathium            lasts from 10 to 15 days on an individual plant.        -   Lastingness of cyathium (when removed from plant).—Cyathium            lasts an average of 24 hours when removed from plant.        -   Cyathium fragrance.—None observed.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamen color.—144D.        -   Number of stamens.—Four in number.        -   Stamen dimensions.—2 mm. in length and 0.25 mm. in diameter.        -   Anther dimensions.—0.50 mm. in length and 0.25 mm. in width.        -   Anther shape.—Bifid.        -   Pollen color.—1B.        -   Quantity of pollen.—Low amount of pollen.        -   Nectaries.—4 in number.        -   Nectary surface.—Glabrous.        -   Nectary appearance.—Glossy.        -   Nectary color.—Colors N144A and 183A are individually            present on an individual nectary.        -   Nectary dimensions.—3 mm. in width and 1.25 mm. in length.        -   Nectary shape.—Concavo-convex in shape.        -   Pistil.—One in number.        -   Pistil dimensions.—3 mm in length, 1 mm in width.        -   Pistil color.—144A.        -   Style number.—3 styles in number joined at their bases.        -   Style dimensions.—1 mm. in length and 0.1 mm in width.        -   Style color.—N144A.        -   Stigma color.—N144D.        -   Stigma number and shape.—3 stigmas in number and each            individual stigma bi-fid in shape.        -   Stigma dimensions.—0.50 mm. in length and 0.1 mm in width.        -   Ovary shape.—A combination of globular and trilocular in            shape.        -   Ovary surface.—Pubescent.        -   Ovary dimensions.—1.50 mm. in width and 1.50 mm. in height.        -   Ovary color.—144A.        -   Ovary position.—Superior.-   Seed: No seed has been observed to date.

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Euphorbia plant named ‘Waleutiny’ asdescribed and illustrated.